let me explain what i mean.
have you ever noticed that when somebody who is not a jw, but is related to or is friends with or some other kind of close connection to a jw, dies, that the jw will always reason that jehovah will probably give them a resurrection?
yet, if this same person died and was not connected to them in any way, they have no hope of a resurrection.
Well, the logic is that the scriptures say that "the wage that sin pays is death" meaning that once you die, you have paid the ultimate price for all of your past sins...do theoreticly, you would qualify for a second chance....on the stipulation that you haven't turned to Satanism...or become one of us jolly 'postates.
Hope that helps...basicly, it's a salving of their own hearts to bring them peace.
Ern
the parallels between the attitudes hardline islamic clerics and the wt leadership shines through.. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,78622,00.html.
friday, february 14, 2003. .
tehran, iran iran's supreme court has lifted the death sentence ordered in the case of a university professor whose sentencing provoked nationwide demonstrations, one of the judges who heard his appeal said friday.. hashem aghajari, a history professor at tehran's teachers training university, had been condemned to death for insulting islam and questioning clerical rule during a speech in june.
Well, hell yeah, they'd love to mow down a group reveling at a local 'postafest....if they could kill each of us, it's that much less likely that we will rain on their parade by exposing them for what they are. They, like most fundamentalists, would LOVE to pick this particular detail of mosaic law to focus in on...though, of course, it would only be excercised by those in power...
After all..."All animals are equal....some are more equal than others." --George Orwell "Animal Farm"
i was thinking this morning after having another plane crash dream ( i used to have them a lot just before 9/11, and then they stopped...and they just started again...so im worried) that since this isnt armageddon, becoming or being a jehovahs witness is not going to save anybody from getting their a$$ blown off or inhaling fatal bacteria released into the air.
they will die like everybody else will!
since this isnt gods war...what business do they have telling people that becoming a jw now is going to afford them protection?
I'll try to give you some idea of what they are saying and thinking...
Dear Loved Ones, I do not know about you, but where I live there is talk about terrorists attacks by the end of the week. On the news they are telling us to prepare emergency food and water. Our local newpaper told suggested we buy duct tape and heavy plastic to cover all our windows and vents because of suspected biological warfare. At work, it is all people were talking about. Of course, we have Jehovah as our God of comfort. But I must admit by the end of the day, I was beginning to feel depressed by it all. Last night was my book study. The name of the Chapter being "Comfort for God's people." Oh, thank-you Jehovah, how much we need all we can get at this time. One of the things that weighs heavy on my heart, is the time when we are cut off from each other. So, I just wanted to take this opportunity to say how much I love my online Family. And when we lose our internet connection, I will be thinking of you, and I will always carry you in my heart. I also feel like, that the love that I have been shown by so many of my online family, will help me through these difficult times. I am confident that as 2 Peter 2:9 states..."Jehovah knows how to deliver his people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people for the day of judgement to be cut off." Last night at book study, my cousin read Isaiah 35. Of course we have read this scripture many many times, but oh how comforting the words were after all that had occured yesterday. "Strengthen the weak hands, you people, and make the knees that are wobbling firm. Say to those who are anxious at heart: Be strong. Do not be afraid. Look! Your own God will come with vengeance itself, God even with a repayment. He himself will come and save you people." Of course our number one focus has and always will be to spread the good news of God's Kingdom. But I was thinking with what ever time we have left to share association with one another that we focus on comforting and upbuilding one another as much as we possibly can. I al want to Thank-you all so much for all your encouragement. We have laughed together and cried together, and been each others cheerleaders. The love cannot help but make us stronger. Thanks for letting me be a part of your life, and you a huge part of mine. Love you to the moon,So here we have a sincere sister whos two main concerns are her homies and preachin' even while it's all headed for the crapper.
We are starting to see here in the USA, many things that are even more troubling that what we have become accustomed to. All of the manifestations of 2Tim 3: 1-5 are becoming more intensified in the world. Even in this, I am sure that there are things happening in the world that the general public are not aware of that would be even more disturbing. Times of violence and difficulty will continue to get worse as the great tribulation spoken of by Jesus at Math 24 gets into full swing. But as I see these things, I am reminded of Jesus statement at Luke 21:28, "But as these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift yourselves up, because your deliverance is getting near." I do not want the day of Jehovah's anger to start any sooner than it should because there are still a lot of people that can potentially be contacted, and brought into Jehovah's organization. But at the same time there are many who really do need the healing that will be part of the new heavens and new earth that is promised at Isa 65:17, referred to at 2 Pe 3:13, and seen in prophetic fulfillment at Rev 21:1. We are seeing Jehovah's plan unfold in the way that he will provide that new heavens and new earth. While we also have fear and pain, which we know will be getting worse, lets all remember that this is the prelude to something greater and raise ourselves up with rejoicing in what is to come.So, this dude is starting to get off on what he thinks is the start of the "Big A"
My dear (Name)! Thank-you so much for posting those encouraging words! Yes, we are living in very unsteady, and quite often frightful times. Sometimes I think that living in the country that we do, it's easy to get "complacent" in our lifestyles sometimes because we don't live in war torn countries or countries where our brothers are under ban. But things can happen VERY QUICKLY, overnight almost. THANKFULLY we have the MOST POWERFUL BEING IN THE **UNIVERSE** on our side. Just as Romans 8:31 says, "If God is for us, who will be against us?" Things like this make me think of all my dear brothers and sisters, both worldwide and locally. NOW is the time to draw as close as we can to such ones. I remember an experience in one of the WT articles in which the brother said there was another brother who he felt he could just NOT get along with. When this brother ended up in prison, who was it that he ended up with? The very one that he felt there was no way to get along with! (But as the article states they went on to develop a very close friendship) Friends, let us LOVE one another, and CONTINUALLY FORGIVE one another. ALL of us are imperfect and fall very short of Jehovah's righteous ways. And just think, HE continues to put up with us! We are going to need each other very soon in ways that nobody could imagine. Let us draw as close to our loving heavenly father and our precious brothers NOW as we can. I pray that Jehovah will protect all of you and continue to be with each of you!So, here's a chic that wants everything to be okay between brothers...no matter that there are false prophets, drunkards, wife and child beaters, and let's not forget the pedophiles...but they are all imperfect so we need to forgive and draw close to them. *PUKE*
Thank you so much (name) for your letter. I know itYep...the "Big Bandaid"...where human nature won't be natural anymore....
was on the news tonight about the duct tape and possible biological warefare.
For myself i was a bit in shock. I know my prayers definately go out to our dear
brothers and sisters in the states. including my new online family. ((((HUGS))))
like you said at this time we need the encouragment and association of our
brothers and sisters. But when we see these things happening we know how
close we are to Jehovah's New system of things where no more will there be
threats to where we live. What a wonderful time that will. whatever may happen
everyone will know about Jehovah. Let's stay strong and perservere in faith
knowing that our deliverance is near. My heart goes out to you Teresa and to all
the brothers and sisters online and living in in the states. i live very close
to the border myself.So over here in vancouver we are just anxiously waiting ..
Love your sister in Jah
Thank you so much for your warm and encouraging words. We are indeed living in "times hard to deal with" as God's word has told us. But we have the joy of standing for Jehovah by trusting in him. By that I mean we will continue to do the work he has given us to do until the very end, regardless what the nations do around us. Preach the word..Now is the time to prove we are true. Jehovah will be there for you if we do all we can to help others to see that his great "arm" can protect and end this darksome world. What a God we serve and a wonderful world wide brotherhood to love and be loved. Thanks again.So, this tool figures if you preach enough...you get a free pass to life...Yeah...keep telling yourself that when Ebola or anthrax is making your guts turn to black mush.
Actually, I have been using this whole situation as a witness in the field ministry. When the householder answers the door I tell them that I am sure they are concerned about the goings on with Iraq and it seemed that a comforting thought from the Bible might help to ease their concerns. Then I read a Scripture at Isaiah 2:4, and Isaiah 60:18. After asking them what they think of God's promise to us in these two Scriptures I thank them for their time and offer to return again with another thought from God's word in the days to come. I don't even take my book bag, just my Bible. More doors seem to open that way!Now this freakin' Mo-Mo is using the whole situation to do what all good borgites do...assimilate as many as you can. And what's this "...when so many other of his creations are letting him down" business? Did the trees or rocks piss off god? Did the animals stage a rebellion and have a Satan of their very own?
thank you for your mail.another excited about seeing vultures pick out the eyes of all non-believers.
Overhere in Holland things aren't so bad. But i do believe it scares you
very much, because of the things already happend in your country.
Ofcourse we see al the things that are happing in the world on the news, but
for now there is no danger in holland.
We also have seen osama bin laden on tv, telling that all the country's who
engage the USA in this war must be aware of terrorists attacts ... so thats
a little bit scarry ... because holland does.
But anyway, i want to wish you a lot of strenght and remember that Jehovah
is with us ... isaiah 35 ... be strong ...
We also have de knowledge that al this kind of things should be happing,
before Jehovahs day comes. So again, be strong ... His day's coming closer
...
with warm christian love,
It isThis one obviously believes that God used divine intervention to make sure of her timely duct-tape and plastic purchase...wonder how many others have miraculously purchased home improvement products that can double as improvised biological and chemical attack protection?
really great and comforting to know that Brothers and Sisters are there to
comfort us even if we may be on opposite sides of the earth. I live in Dallas
Texas and there is talk about it here to. I didn't know about the duck tape and
plastic, but you know what's really funny about it, is that we are buying a new
house and we have been painting it. To paint it, we had to buy plastic to cover
up the floors and windows, and we had to buy tape to tape the plastic down. So
now we are probably going to have a lot extra to do whatever with. I told my
mother that we could probably use it. Anyways, thank you very much for
caring for us and giving us some information that could be very
useful if anything ever happens.
Your loving Sister and Friend
Dear (Name),Wow...another eager beaver...
I was so sorry to hear about what's happening in your country. Please
be assured that we are thinking about and praying for all of you at
this time. The new world must be so near now. I hope to meet you in
paradise very soon.
Christian love from a sister in England.
Here in Australia we all got told over a week ago to buy first aid kits, gloves, battery operated radios etc etc in case of attacks etc. And we've had television advertisements on it etc. Then the prime minister sent out booklets and a letter to each household this week, informing them of what to do in an attack, or if theres a bomb etc. So its all go and yes it is scary. I just keep trying to not think about it. It is too depressing and we know that Jehovah's day is near. So its all we can do to wait.Do Nothing, pretend it isn't happening....You don't have to live in Egypt to be the "Queen of Denial"
I can understand how frighening it is to live in these times, when there are so many people who "hate" each other. I live near Dallas Texas, and the people on the News are always making mention of possible terrorist attacks and what to do if one does take place, and all the necessary precautions. But we have Jehovah to look to for comfort and knowing that this is what has to happen for Jehovah's new Promised System to come. I get encouragement fom Daniel 2:44 because I know that Jehovah's Kingdom will soon put an end to these worldly governments. It is scary though that this has all started from a religious aspect. "All in the name of Islam", as Osama bin Laden likes to say. And this could very well be the start of the Great Tribulation, when the wild beast begins its attack on Babylon the Great. As scary as it is, it is exciting to see prophecy being fulfilled! I pray for all my brothers and sisters all over the world, that they may be safe and Draw Close to Jehovah! He provides SO much strength and comfort! I have many worries, as I am raising a very young child, but knowing that Jehovah will protect us makes living in this system of things bearable. Don't let the world conditions depress you, Jehovah lovingly provides for His people! He will prevail! Soon we will be able to to see Rev 21:4 fulfilled, and we will have everlasting peace with Him. It is indeed exciting times! Christian Love to all my brothersAnother that is conviced that this is the beginning of the "Big A"
Thank you so much for the nice message. Yes, everyone is truly getting worried about all the possibilities that could dcome about with the terrorists and war "inevitability"? It opens up some opportunities for incidental witnessing with many. I think the 2 little tracts we have of "Who Rules the World" and WWill you Survive this World's End" are really appropriate to leave with people...they show what the REAL answer is to man's dilemmas. Have a good day!Yep...they show the "real answer" alright....do nothing...take no civic responsibility...ride other's coat tails to a life of freedom... So, now you know a bit of what the mind set is...big surprise, huh? The site these came from is no longer publicly accessable....so, you won't see any more quotes from there...guess they are closing ranks. Coon
in your opinion,what does it take to gain acceptance in the organization and congregation?
Another Key way to "fit in" is to be an excellent actor/actress...because we all know that appearances in the BOrg are always more important than substance. Also, you have to be a good BS artist. I am ashamed to say it, but one of the main reasons I started my exit is because I was somewhat "accepted" because of these things. I got to where I hated myself for who I had become. Granted, as a 3rd generation JW, I had expert instruction in these areas...but I still hated what a shallow and artificial person I was. Looking back, I guess I was much like a politician...pressin' flesh and kissin' babies. It sickens me to reflect on it.
Coon
i always imagined it as being the sky turning different shades of purple and finally seeing colors i've never seen before.
loud lightening, thunder in all directions... i would hear god speak, then the sky would turn red, and i'd see angels coming down from the sky and devils go up and fight in the sky... kinda like in raiders of the lost arc.
it would last 40 years, then the earth would split and open all demons would be cast below, and then 2 weeks of rain will cleanse the earth and the paradise would grow from the ash and neutrient rich rain.. .
Anybody have other favourite End of The World Films that they enjoyed?
Yep..."On The Beach" was really good. I also have on video "The Day After". That one was pretty chilling for the early / mid 80's pre-berlin wall. I remember seeing a brit "appocalypse" film that was good called "Threads"...but I've never been able to find it again since. It was much more graphic and much more disturbing.
I remeber seeing a WT picture as a child of about 4 yrs. old. The picture depicted lots of lightening in the sky and people running for their lives ...trying in vain to escape the destruction that was all around them. I too had a fear of thunderstorms turning into "The Big A". I always felt in my heart that there was no way that I would ever make it...even as a very young child.
Good question, though...
Coon
can the governing body of hypocrites ever admit that they are wrong?
the watchtower august 1st 1978 issue, page 3:.
can you admit when you are wrong?.
Jeezzz, these guys piss me off.
I just love it that most of the time, the propaganda machine says..."Don't question the FDS and their pronouncements. If you are, you are working against god." Yet out of the other side of their mouths they specificly state that they are NOT claiming to be inspired or the direct mouthpiece of god, or even prophets. If things go in the crapper and innocents suffer....well then it's all "We are all imperfect."
My wife tries to use that argument on me to get me to go back. "Well, can't you forgive mistakes?" Sure, I can forgive mistakes, if they are owned up to and admitted. These men claim to be spokesmen of god. Well, I have news for you...If they are putting themselves in that postion, then unfair or not, they should be held to a higher level of accountability. As an individual, I have to admit my mistakes and take the lumps that my mistakes may cause. Why should an organization that is messing with peoples minds and hearts be above this?
Sorry...I just ain't buyin'.
Coon
my daughter melanie who is 20, is going through a rough time.
i won't go into detail for her privacy, but she is now a single mom with a 8 month old baby.
this day is very hard for her.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY, MELANIE!
Here's hoping that you have a great day and that you and your baby are doing well.
Take care of both of you...we are all thinking of you.
Coon
.
no need to worry about going to doctors who spend years at medical school, folks!
just pray that your path will cross with a jw who's kept up to date on their awake!s - they will diagnose complex conditions that doctors were unable to, in nothing flat!.
I didn't know that the "Snap-On" man made stops in Ecuador! Sheesh...that's about a $2,000 tool box that dude is working on that klunker out of.
Okay...real realistic. Almost like Charlton Heston with his Rolex in the Chariot scene of "Ben Hur"
Coon
...severely emotionally injured witness suffering from bi-polar illness as well as a severe dissociative disorder (multiple personalities) whose husband left her and has no friends in the congregation, who starts smoking?.
disfellowship her.. just thought you'd like to know.. .
beryl
My older sis had a similar experience. She was DF because she wanted help and confessed an infidelity...even though she was in a very physically abusive relationship and has SEVERE bi-polar disorder along with a healthy dose of Paranoid shizzophrenia. Even when they reinstated her years later...and knew all the circumstances. Not so much as a F*ck you very much. or anything.
Coon
i have spent the last few days reading all the information about the wts on the internet.
i am shocked.
appalled.
Once you have seen the Matrix...you can never go back.
Welcome here, beryl...glad to see you made it over here.
Take care.
Coon
